State Minister of Defence meets U.S. delegation on board SLNS Vijayabahu
February 24, 2024State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon met a U.S. delegation, including the Deputy Secretary of State for Management & Resources and the Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of State Richard R. Verma and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Julie Chung on board SLNS Vijayabahu on Friday (Feb 23).
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also joined the Minister on this occasion. Navy media says.
Speaking on this occasion Minister Tennakoon, highlighted that the enduring diplomatic ties between the United States and Sri Lanka have significantly enhanced Sri Lanka’s national security strategies and capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain. He also said that, as a result of these relationship, the Navy had been able to effectively address non-traditional maritime challenges as well as conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lanka’s SAR region. The Minister also thanked the United States for their continued support and partnership with Sri Lanka, it says.
Deputy Secretary Verma said that the United States remains committed to its maritime security partnership with Sri Lanka and supporting the growth of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet. He also revealed that efforts are underway to provide another Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) from the United States to the Sri Lanka Navy, Navy media further states.
During the occasion, Commander of the Navy also stated that the ships received by the Sri Lanka Navy from the United States have effectively supported maritime security and law enforcement operations, enhancing the Navy’s capabilities. Adding further, he mentioned that the Sri Lanka Navy’s fleet would be utilized to secure both the island waters as well as the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and high seas, taking into account the freedom of navigation, it says.
Officials of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, Deputy Area Commander Western Naval Area Commodore Dammika Wijewardena, several senior navy officers including the Commanding Officer SLNS Vijayabahu Captain Nalin Gonagala were also present on this occasion, Navy media states.
